Forward in Faith Avanzando con fe

Forward in Faith

More than 200 community members took to the streets on April 5, as 31 different religious institutions held an interfaith rally and march to promote racial justice and religious tolerance.

“It’s a beautiful thing,” said congregation member Gloria.

Dr. Debbie Almontaser of the Muslim Community Network said people – regardless of specific creed or faith – are currently feeling vulnerable because of their religious beliefs.

“They want to be spiritual and also be citizens, but we’ve seen a rise in hate,” stated Almontaser, who argued that an increase in hate crimes and President Donald Trump’s immigration policies have driven people to action.

Arnold M. Eisen is the seventh Chancellor of the Seminary.

“The opportunity that has been presented here is the awakening of millions of Americans who have previously sat on the sidelines, saying ‘Oh, the activists will take care of it, the elected officials will take care of it,” remarked Almontaser. “Now you see people saying, ‘I have to be a part of the solution.’”

Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders spearheaded a gathering that began at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), then marched on Broadway, Riverside Drive and across 125th Street to end at the National Black Theater.

Imam Al-Hajj Talib Abdur-Rashid of the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood, which descended from the Muslim Mosque founded by Malcolm X, said that participants had gathered not because of their religion, but because of their “moral center.”

“Today we come together to affirm our belief as a diverse community of faith, that God is talking and we are listening,” he said. “He declares the oneness of humanity and we are listening. He uplifts and establishes justice and denounces intolerance and bigotry, and we are listening and acting to demonstrate our commitment to build a beloved community based upon those principles.”

Arnold M. Eisen, Chancellor of JTS, pointed out the number of young people in the crowd.

“It’s really heartening to see all the students here,” Eisen said. “The next generation are the ones that need to see this through.”

“The call right now has to be to the next generation to recognize that we are at a moment in time when this administration wants to roll back decades and decades of progress,” remarked City Comptroller Scott Stringer of Trump’s policies. “Make no mistake, the way we fight back is by making sure we build [a] coalition.”

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer invoked the spirit of sanctuary cities, remarking that elected officials must stand up for vulnerable populations.

“We need every leader in city and state government to protect those in their community,” said Brewer. “In the midst of the American Dream, there are too many people experiencing the American nightmare.”

Sending a message.

Reverend Amy Butler of Riverside Church recalled the famous speech that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered at that church 50 years ago, when he urged Americans to rededicate themselves “to the long and bitter, but beautiful, struggle for a new world.”

“We stand together to remind our city and country that we are beautiful in our diversity and strong when we stand with and for each other,” said Butler.

“We march together in unity, because justice is still cloaked and righteousness is still stifled, but we will triumph,” stated Reverend Lisa D. Jenkins of St. Matthew’s Baptist Church in Harlem. “We march because xenophobia and religious intolerance are ever present in this land of the free and home of the brave, but we will triumph.”

Many marchers brandished signs bearing messages of tolerance and inclusion.

“I think it’s a beautiful thing,” said Gloria, a member of St. Matthew’s congregation, of the march. “It’s New York City representing the world. I hope that those in Washington take notice.”